About Prima Dogga Boarding Kennel

Boarding with a trainer on site

Prima Dogga is a boarding kennel in Shelburne run by Garth Kauffman and Liz Weir, who have operated it since 2009 and live on the property, so someone is always on site. Liz has been training dogs and cats since 2002. Alongside boarding, Prima Dogga offers cat boarding, small dog enrichment playgroups in 3 hour supervised blocks for up to 8 dogs, and training. It is rated 5 from 12 Google reviews.

Training

Liz works one-on-one with owners in their homes on basic manners, puppy and kitten preparedness, and tricks and games. Some behaviors, such as recall, loose leash walking and basic cues like sit, stay, wait, go to place, drop and leave it, can be started at the facility without the owner before being transferred in private sessions. For fearful, shy and socially awkward dogs, she uses Suzanne Clothier's Treat/Retreat protocol, privately or in a group class, a fear-free method that keeps asking the dog whether it is comfortable.

Credentials and method

Liz is an APDT member, a graduate of the SF SPCA Dog Training Academy, CCPDT KA certified and a Treat/Retreat Certified Instructor. She follows the LIMA principle, least intrusive, minimally aversive.

What to ask

Ask about private training rates and scheduling.